This paper deals with the long-term follow-up of cartilage autografts taken from various parts of the body to reconstruct areas of the nose, ear, trachea, eyelid, and other areas of the body which require augmentation, effacement, and long-term support. Our thesis will be that the cartilage autograft is the implant of choice in many of these areas, and that fate of autogenous cartilage is well known and should be given strong priority in facial grafting.

Instrument noise levels for average length surgical cases may exceed OSHA and NIOSH recommendations for hearing safety. Specialties such as Otolaryngology, Orthopedics, and Neurosurgery use instruments that regularly exceed limits. General operating room noise also contributes to overall personnel exposures. Innovative countermeasures are suggested.

During the last decade, minimally invasive and nonsurgical techniques of diagnosing and treating salivary gland duct stones have rapidly evolved. Physicians have developed alternative treatments beyond the sole use of invasive conventional surgery. Techniques and equipment have been specifically developed to deal with ductal lithiasis. Salivary duct endoscopy, endoscopic instrumentation, and intra- or extracorporeal lithotripsy have proven themselves to be efficacious in most cases involving ductal stones. Current algorithms for treatment combine conventional surgical, minimally invasive, and nonsurgical strategies to produce the least invasive and best-tolerated outcomes for each individual patient.

No abstract

Incisionless Otoplasty surgery for lop (protuberant) ears has evolved through three major steps in technique since its inception in 1992. Improvement was seen with each progressive technical advance. The previously published 2.0 version of 2004 has undergone evolution to streamline placement of the percutaneous retention sutures. The new 3.0 version technique greatly reduces the number of operative steps required. In this article, technical instructions for the 3.0 version are explained, and multiple applications of the 3.0 procedure and the 2.0 are illustrated.

This study, merging data from two different clinics, was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of endolymphatic mastoid shunt surgery using the Denver Inner Ear Shunt operation for Meniere's disease. This surgery was performed by the senior authors (C.G.J., J.R.E.D., and M.E.G.) between May 1984 and October 1986, after we attended the Colorado Otologic Research Center (CORC) instructional course. Sixty-six and thirty-four cases, respectively, were performed. Follow-up questionnaires were sent to this total of 100 patients. Fifty-six patients returned completed questionnaires, which formed the basis of this report. A retrospective chart study was also carried out. The results of surgery and questionnaires are reported as statistical data, and, where applicable, the 1985 AAO-HNS criteria for reporting vertigo and hearing results in the treatment of Meniere's disease are used. Preliminary analysis of these data is reported because of its profound effect upon our treatment protocol for patients with Meniere's disease. Results on use of the Denver valve do not appear to be significantly different than the results of other shunt surgery not using the valve.

No abstract

Otoplasty surgery for correction of the "lop" protuberant ear deformity continues to evolve. A noninvasive method for achieving normal appearance and physiology for the protuberant ear pinna is presented. Incisionless Otoplasty surgery, involving a combined cartilage scoring procedure and a percutaneously placed retention suture procedure, creates a predictable and permanent correction of the missing antihelical fold. In addition, treatment of the protruding conchal bowl by endoscopic techniques further enhances the cosmetic appearance. A long-term follow-up period of over 10 years gives perspective on the efficacy of the operation.